Chapter 4 (1/2)
dance with Theo.”
”Theo?”
”Grandpa Trevelyan.'
”Oh, I think you can call me Grandma. Now, you two seriously need to get working on my great-grandkids. I won't last too much longer.” She gives us both a simpering smile. Christian blinks at her in horror.
”Come, Grandmother,” he says, hurriedly taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor. He glances back at me, practically pouting, and rolls his eyes. ”Laters, baby.”
As I walk toward Grandpa Trevelyan, Jose accosts me.
”I won't ask you for another dance. I think I monopolized too much of your time on the dance floor as it is . . . I'm happy to see you happy, but I'm serious, Ana. I'll be here . . . If you need me.”
”Jose, thank you. You're a good friend.”
”I mean it.” His dark eyes burn bright with sincerity.
”I know you do. Thank you, Jose. Now if you'll please excuse me -
I have a date with an old man.”
He blinks at me in incomprehension.
”Christian's grandfather,” I clarify.
He grins. ”Good luck with that, Annie. Good luck with everything.”
”Thanks, Jose.”
After my dance with Christian's ever-charming grandfather, I stand by the French doors, watching the sun sink slowly over Seattle, casting bright orange and aquamarine shadows across the bay.
”Let's go,” Christian urges.
”I have to change.” I grasp his hand, meaning to pull him through the French windows and upstairs with me. He frowns, not understanding, and tugs gently on my hand, halting me.
”I thought you wanted to be the one to take this dress off,” I explain. His eyes light up.
”Correct.” He gives me a lascivious grin. ”But I'm not undressing you here. We wouldn't leave until . . . I don't know . . .” He waves his long-fingered hand, leaving his sentence unfinished but his meaning quite clear.
I flush and let go of his hand.
”And don't take your hair down either,” he murmurs darkly.
”But - ”
”No buts, Anastasia. You look beautiful. And I want to be the one to undress you.”
Oh. I frown.
”Pack your going-away clothes,” he orders. ”You'll need them. Taylor has your main suitcase.”